Chicago Summer Festivals

Navy Pier's gates and parking garage are expected to close sometime Friday afternoon. Partner parking garages are available at a discount rate of $15 for 12 hours, but it's still expected to be crowded. Public transportation is suggested as the best bet.

This year's fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. and lasts 15 minutes.

For those who'd rather steer clear of July 4 crowds, Navy Pier hosts an encore performance Saturday night, July 5, at 10:15 p.m.

The pier closes at midnight but trolleys will be offered Friday to parking garages up to 1 a.m.

Published at 3:06 PM CDT on Jul 3, 2014

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